Storytelling

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Dear Jack: Trying Italian Sausage

14 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

Nearly a year ago when you turned 14 years old, you casually mentioned that you might try eating some meat; since you have never tried it on your own.

When you were a baby, we fed you some baby food with some meat in it, but it has been your choice your entire life otherwise to be a vegetarian.

Well, nearly a year since you mentioned your curiosity of trying meat, this past weekend after I cooked the Italian sausage for our class at Sweet & Savory Classroom in Chattanooga, you saw your sister serving as the “taste tester” and then said, “I think I’ll try some of that sausage.”

And then you did.

So this might be the beginning of you slowly transitioning to increasing your protein intake, during the middle of your continued growth spurt further into adulthood.

For what it’s worth, you are currently 5′ 4.5″, just an inch and a half shorter than Mommy now. Though we did discover you now outweigh her by a few pounds!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Sweet and Savory Classroom

9 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

This past Saturday our family tried a new activity: We took a cooking class at Sweet & Savory Classroom in Chattanooga.

I was pleasantly surprised at how we collectively and authentically enjoyed the experience!

As our family worked on our calzones, I took notice of how Mommy and your brother quickly picked up on each new set of instructions; as they confidently and instantly began each next task.

Meanwhile, you and I were in our own similar situation. Our mindset was more, “What could I do to help now that the main job is already done?”

As for me, it meant cooking the Italian sausage for the entire class; including for all the strangers next to us.

For you, it meant carrying the newly prepared ingredients to the next table… as well as being the official “taste tester” for the meat I cooked for the entire class.

I’m still laughing at the thought of how everyone trusted my cooking abilities… when they totally shouldn’t have!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your First Week Away at Summer Camp

9 years, 2 months.

Dear Holly,

Last week as you left for your first time away to summer camp, I was so sad to see you go… and I was so sad all week while you were gone.

But… you didn’t seem sad at all! And that definitely makes me happy.

I am so proud of you for showing confidence and displaying your natural need for independence.

Granted, it helped that your cousin Darla was there with you the whole time and that Aunt Dana was there as a chaperone.

And it helped me on my end that Aunt Dana was able to send me pictures of you each day so I could see how much fun you were having, in real time.

You have now been away at summer camp for the first time!

Love,

Daddy

 

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Dear Jack: Reciprocating Your Sister’s Need for Affection

14 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

I feel like one of the themes of this summer is that you continue to reciprocate your sister’s efforts in wanting to be buddies.

What I am seeing is that now, instead of you seeing her as some sort of competition as your only sibling, you have begun to see her as an equal member of our family.

I see the way that the two of you now mutually choose to hang out around each other, like when we were at Lowe’s this past weekend.

Or when as a family, we were watching TV in the living room this week and I noticed that you both were sort of cuddled up together on the bean bag.

I love this!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Ramen for Lunch During the Summer

9 years, 2 months.

Dear Holly,

During these couple of summer months, it’s never a mystery what you are having for lunch each day. While I rarely ever take a full lunch hour for myself as I work from home, I do stop long enough to prepare your daily ramen noodles on the stove top.

Once I place your bowl of hot Ramen noodles on the counter of our breakfast nook, it is tradition that I pour a cup of milk for you to drink. Next, you fill up a cup of ice and use some tongs to place the ice cubes one by one in the ramen, until it is cool enough for you to eat without burning your mouth.

You then are able to enjoy your ramen lunch while watching SpongeBob on your phone. I love that you have your little lunch tradition everyday.

 

Love,

Daddy